SA 537 CL 2 Welding electrode

[Muza33]

Dear Experts,

i have a material SA 537 CL2 30 mm basemetal ,as per ASME SEC 9 QW 422 Whose minimum tensile strength is 80 ksi,


now the matching electrode will be E 8018 AS PER TABLE 3 SFA 5.5 whose tensile strength minimum is 80 ksi

now if contractor proposes E 7018 (Whose minimum tensile strength as per SFA 5.5 Table 3 is 70 ksi) but actual tensile strength as in manufacturer data sheet is above 80 ksi ,can we allow it?


Note:

situation is hypothetical, and to my best of knowledge specified minimum tensile strength of electrode shall be higher than
specified minimum tensile strength of base material.

any code reference for specific requirement regarding above as a clause will be highly appreciated .

 

[EdStainless]

The Code uses minimum specified properties and not actuals.
If this was non-Code then fine, but not in this case.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
P.E. Metallurgy, consulting work welcomed

 

[Muza33]

Yes i cross checked ,and in API 650 it is mandatory requirement to match welding consumable minimum stress as per spec to material minimum specified stress

 

[DVWE]

now if contractor proposes E 7018 (Whose minimum tensile strength as per SFA 5.5 Table 3 is 70 ksi) but actual tensile strength as in manufacturer data sheet is above 80 ksi ,can we allow it?

This can be allowed if a few good engineering practices are followed.

1. The same manufacturer and brand name of electrode used in the PQR is also used in production. This must be written into and mandated by the WPS.
2. Every heat/lot/batch of electrodes used in production is fully tested, including tensile strength. Most E7018 manufacturers provide MTRs with "typical" test results, not actual.

This is not the best way to approach this situation from a cost perspective, especially using something like E7018.

The best approach, from a cost and production perspective, would be to use a matching, or over matching electrode.

The devil is in the details; she also wears prada.